The drug abusing adolescent: clinical issues.

Clinical intervention with adolescent substance abusers is a complex issue. Disputes remain regarding the precise nature of the disorder. Treatment of the adolescent is complicated by the normal development tasks of this age, particularly denial of possible consequences and adoption of attendant risk-taking behaviors. Treatment begins with a complete drug history and must not neglect the adolescent's family and other support system. The mental health professional, especially the psychiatrist, can make a unique contribution in this area, despite the "bad press" he has so often received by the rest of the (treatment) community.